A Prostate Nodule
is simply a "bump" that can be felt in the prostate on Digital Rectal
Examination, (DRE). A nodule does not mean that prostate cancer is
present. Prostate nodules can be hard, soft, big, small or gritty.
While a rocky hard nodule may mean cancer it may also be a calcification,
(stone), in the prostate. Similarly, a soft nodule may be a cancer. An asymmetric
prostate may be considered a nodule. When a nodule is found, the urologist
must include in his evaluation the presence of symptoms of prostatitis or
infection, the level of PSA and/or Free PSA, as well as the consistency of the
nodule. On occasion, treatment for infection or prostatitis is given for
several weeks to a month and the prostate reevaluated. If the nodule
disappears, and the PSA goes back to normal, a biopsy may not need be done.

However, if a nodule does not disappear or
the PSA does not drop to normal with antibiotic treatment, or especially if there are no
symptoms of infection sonography and biopsy MUST be done unless there are
medical contraindications such as age over 80, other major life threatening
conditions, etc.